Today's undergarment silhouette is vastly different to the 1890s, when corsets seemed to shift bones and organs to achieve the perfect bell-like look.

Not to mention the size of briefs.

At one stage signs were posted on New South Wales beaches, warning ladies to wear long bloomers beneath their dresses.

These days it's acceptable for women to sunbake topless, with just a g-string covering their bottom half.

For the first time, Alstonville Plateau Historical Society is holding an exhibition of undergarments ranging from the 1890s until the 1950s (throwing in a few of today's cheeky briefs for the sake of comparison).

From the beautiful embroidery of hand-sewn nightdresses and men's pyjamas, to practical cottons worn by local sugar cane and dairy farmers, the collection comes from an archive of items donated by Northern Rivers families.

One of the exhibition organisers, Lois Hennes, says the collection also reveals fashion trends and ideas about body image.

"It's so interesting to see that Crawford house has such a wide range of garments that gave rise to modern design.

"Lingerie really sets the pace for what you're going to wear over it, it's always historically been regarded as developing the line of the garment."

Listen to the audio for an interview with Lois Hennes about some of the key changes across the eras.

The Undercover and Unseen exhibition is on display at Crawford House Museum, Alstonville from 8 November 2013- 23 February 2014.